I have been moved to tears more than a few times in the past few days.
The first time was when I saw film and pictures of women on the streets of Iraq, their fingers stained purple from having just cast their vote. Women who, just last year, were sometimes prohibited from being alone in public, let alone from having a say in the future of their country. To me, that is freedom in action...and that moves me.
The second time was when I saw the purple fingers and suits, the lavender and mauve ties in amongst the traditional red and black and blue garb at the State Of The Union address. That we as a people were able to show unity amongst (and despite) our diversity ...again, that, to me, is freedom in action.
The third (but I'm sure not the final) time was when the woman who's father had been killed by Saddam's regime turned and embraced a woman from Texas whose son had been killed in the battle for Fallujah. Two women, from different countries, countries that at times seemed to be fighting for different things...two women, both of whom had suffered losses that at times seemed to great to bear.....two women, both of whom have paid the price for liberty and freedom. Two women, united in their grief, but also united in their love of their countries. Such a love that they gave of their flesh and blood in order to ensure that their children's children can both live in freedom.
That, to me, is freedom in action. I don't care what your political or spiritual persuasion is, you simply cannot deny that freedom can, and will, reign.